Activities in Southwestern Finland
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Särkänniemi
On the northern edge of town, this promontory amusement park is a large complex with several attractions, including a good art gallery and an aquarium. There’s a bewildering system of entry tickets and opening times depending on what your interest is, and it is cheaper to book online. A day pass is valid for all sights and unlimited rides, while €8 will get you up the observation tower, and into the gallery and farm zoo. To get to Särkänniemi, take bus 4 from the train station.
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Poet's Way Lake Cruise
The SS Tarjanne, a steam ship, departs from Mustalahti quay. The route, from Tampere to Ruovesi and Virrat, is known as the Poet's Way and is one of the finest lake cruises in Finland. For an additional charge per person, you can sleep in this old boat before or after your trip, and get free day-use of the cabin. Bicycles can be taken on board for a small fee. You can book a day-trip to Virrat or Ruovesi, with one of the legs made by bus.
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Rajaportin Sauna
Traditional Rajaportin Sauna is Finland’s oldest operating public sauna. It’s a great chance to experience the softer steam from a traditionally heated sauna rather than the harsher electric ones. It’s a couple of kilometres west of the centre; buses 1, 13, 18, 19 and 26 head out there. There’s a cafe onsite, and massages can be arranged. Take a towel or rent one there.
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MS Tiira Cruises
The MS Tiira Cruises cruises the Vaasa archipelago from Midsummer to mid-August. It departs from the Kalaranta passenger quay at midday and 16:00, picking up passengers at the Top Camping Vaasa camp site shortly thereafter. The cruise lasts about 3½ hours, about half of which seems to be taken up by a lunch stop (food not included) at a restaurant owned by the same outfit.
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SS Tarjanne - Lake Cruises
Lake cruises on Tampere's two magnificent lakes are extremely popular in summer. Trips on Näsijärvi leave from Mustalahti quay, while Laukontori quay serves Pyhäjärvi. One company offering cruises is the steamship SS Tarjanne. Call for check website for more information.
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Pyynikki Ridge
Pyynikki Ridge, rising between the two lakes, is a forested area of walking trails with fine views on both sides. There's an observation tower (adult/child €1/0.50; h09:00-20:00) on the ridge, which also has a great café serving Tampere's best doughnuts.
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Bus Tour
You can get an overview of Tampere's attractions on a bus tour. The guided tours depart from the tourist office and cover the main sights, the Tammerkoski industrial area and Pyynikki Ridge. They take about two hours and have commentary in Finnish and English.
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Tammerlines
Lake cruises are popular in summer; Tammerlines has 1½-hour cruises from Laukontori quay on Lake Pyhäjärvi and 3½-hour return cruises to Nokia on Mondays. More frequent are the hourly cruises to Viikinsaari (25 min, Tue-Sun Jun-Aug).
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Fishing
To fish in the Tammerkoski in the town centre, you will need a daily or weekly permit, available from the tourist office. The tourist office also have a list of operators who run guided fishing tours in the lakes and rivers hereabouts.
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Boat & Canoe Hire
You can rent rowing boats and canoes from Camping Härmälä, a spacious camping ground on the shores of the Pyhäjärvi lake, about 5km south of the centre.
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Moto-Rent
Jet-skis, skis and kayaks can be hired from Moto-Rent, based in Kangasala, 10km southeast, but happy to deliver stuff to town.
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Tropiclandia
Tropiclandia has plenty of water slides, Jacuzzis and health spas to keep both kids and adults happy.
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Indoor Swimming Pool
The best-equipped indoor swimming pool lies about 1.5km east of the train station.
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Swimming Pool
There's an indoor swimming pool about 1.5km east of the train station.
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Pyynikki Swimming Hall
The Pyynikki swimming hall is adjacent to Hostel Uimahallin Maja.
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Sauna World Championships
The Sauna World Championships in mid-August are a test and a half of endurance, with plenty of beer consumed.
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